I-90 bridge to close for Blue Angels practice

Updated 2:46 pm, Monday, July 27, 2015

The Blue Angels have returned to Seattle for this year's Boeing Seafair Air Show, and with them come the necessary (albeit painful) closures of the Interstate 90 floating bridge.

The Washington State Department of Transportation announced Monday morning that closures would start Thursday morning and continue through the second show Sunday.

During the closures, I-90 will be closed from Interstate 5 in Seattle to Island Crest Way, and some ramps will close 30 minutes before the practices and performances.

Closures are as follows:

Thursday, July 30: 9:45 a.m. to noon and 1:15 p.m to 2:40 p.m.

Friday, July 31: 11:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1: 11:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 2: 11:50 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.

The closures are required by the Federal Aviation Administration, according to WSDOT, and also prevent collisions from the many distracted drivers who would no doubt be watching the skies for the acrobatic performances.

To avoid waiting out the more than two-hour closures on one side of Lake Washington, drivers are encouraged by WSDOT to use alternate routes or change travel plans. The Highway 520 bridge will be open, but officials expect heavy traffic volumes so drivers should allow more travel time.